Hi again
In relation to my question about back pain and possibly related to arimidex, I am very depressed today and am going to ask for antidepressants, Does anyone take or have knowledge of amitriptyline which is apparently used for pain as well as depression.
I am so worried and don’t know where to turn, and would be so grateful to have any views, opinions, results.
Again many thanks
Hi deevk- I have been on amitrptyline for several weeks after experiencing poor sleep - in my case an exascerbation of pain I have had in the past due to arthritis in my shoulders.
I used to sleep very well but since being on Arimidex I find my sleep is disturbed - often up to 10 times a night (or so it seems!) - either by hot flushes or by pain in my shoulders and upper arms. The amitryptyline has done any good at all I’m afraid- but I am only on a 20mg dose and maybe a heavier dose might help.
I am not depressed- was prescribed the Amytrp. solely as an analgesic to help with my poor sleep though it is an anti depressant, as you said.
I use amy for sleep as find it impossible to sleep after and during treatment and after my dads death last year. I am already on citalopram for depression but the amy assures me rest. I do get alot of aches on arimidex but take 50 mg amy at night and I sleep pain free all night. I do not like to have too high a dose of amy as constipates me so much. I do not like to use it in the day as makes me too drowsy.
Rachy xx
Amytrp is used both for nerve pain and depression, but normally in a higher dose for depression. was wondering about it myself but I’m already taking Venlafaxine and wouldn’t know how to stop one and start the other without even more side effects. Think I’m going to have to bother my poor GP again
Hi Deevk,
Amitryptiline has been around for years and is a very safe drug. It can help with nerve pain as well as depression, so it would be worth trying. Sorry that you have been feeling so rough.
JillyH, I take Paroxetine (similar to Venlafaxine) as well as Amytrpt. without any problems, so would be worth asking your GP if you think you may benefit from both.
My doctor said she would not presecribe Paroxetine to anyone on Tamoxifen as it reverses the effects. I am still waiting to hear whether this is also true of Venlafaxine.
Hi Fiona,
Yes Paroxetine can interfere with the absorbtion of Tamoxifen, but I am not taking Tamoxifen so it is not a problem for me. x
Hi Fiona,
As far as im aware (informed by the pain clinic at the Marsden)Amit is taken in a much higher dosage if its used as an antidepressent than if its used as a sleeping tablet. I took it when i was on chemo to help me sleep and it made me really drowsy and i could only handle 2.5-5mg!
hope this helps
Lipstick
I have been on amitriptyline for 5 years, I started when I was having chemo. I wasn’t sleeping too well and as soon as my husband waked in the door after work I would break down in tears. My GP suggested it,just to help me through a difficult time. He said that as it is non-addictive I could stay on it. I am only on 50mg every evening. As previously mentioned it has been around many years and in higher doses is an anti-depressant. But it helps me sleep and doesn’t make me drowsy. I work full-time in a Customer Services dept in a pensions company and it has never effected my work. It also helps with the pain from my arm.
Hope that helps
Hazel
Hi Deevk, just wondering how you have got on with your gp, and if your feeling any better
Alisonxxx